And you thought 3 Saturdays were too much

 

Greetings from Morocco!

 

 

Translation

 

 

Today we learned more about the school system. If you don't like Saturday Academy imagine going to school Monday through Saturday 8 am to 12 pm and returning in the afternoon 2 pm to 6 pm. The elementary schools attend school Monday through Saturday 8am to 11 am and return 2 pm to 5 pm, they get Saturday afternoons off.

 



Rachida Guelzin,
Vice President of MATE 

Children with special needs do not attend public or private schools; instead they go to institutions set up by NGOs. Our presenter said there are efforts being made to integrate students with special needs into the school system.

 

It is interesting that in a place so far away the teachers are having the same issues with education both at the schools and at the local and national level. The teachers also mentioned the gender disparities that exist in their schools and how girls tend to outperform boys and unfortunately there are not many jobs available for students once they finish getting their degrees. One interesting fact I think was that it takes more schooling to become a teacher in Morocco than a lawyer. All lawyers need is a Bachelors and two years of training.

 

There seems to be a real push to globalize education especially through the English teachers and there is so much diversity that it lends itself to it, also the fact that bilingual education is already a requirement, students start learning French in elementary school and many choose English as a foreign language in high school.

 

Today we visited a pottery market where they had many arts and crafts all beautiful....I find it strange that this place feels so familiar.

 

Can you guess what drink this is?

Day 2: Something new

Today was the first full day in country. The morning began with a seminar on the history and culture of Morocco. Morocco is a true melting pot, they have French, Arab, Spanish fusion with that of the native people.

A new constitution was written for the country which changed the marriage age for girls from 15 to 18 years old, it also allows a man to take more than one wife, if the first wife approves, it also allows women to ask for a divorce.

Women are found in high positions, however the presenter Khadija feels there is more work to be done. Khadija is a teacher and she mentioned that she works to help girls learn to use technology (computers) to their advantage.

Can you read the signs?



The day continued with a visit to the American embassy followed by shopping at the market. I am amazed at how many people are out and about here.

No idea who that guy is.

 

Jewish restaurant playing English and Spanish music, talk about melting pot.

14 Moroccan Days and Nights

Today was my first day in country. First impressions...the people are really friendly, the food is delicious and some of the architecture is intricate and beautiful. It looks a lot like Latin America in some respects.

Something new I learned today was that some Muslims in  Morocco believe in saints. From my understanding it sounds a lot like Catholic saints with the exception of the images, as Muslims do not believe in imitating the human form. Kawthar our host is full of information and you can feel her pride and love for her country. Her enthusiasm for  is quiet contagious.

We were treated to a traditional Moroccan meal. Everyone shares from one large dish. The meal consisted of salad, soup, chicken (this is eaten with your hands), a fruit platter and a traditional Moroccan mint tea.

 

Rendezvous in Paris

I am sitting at the airport in Ft. Lauderdale awaiting to embark on the first leg of my journey to Atlanta, from Atlanta I am heading to Paris where I will meet up with the group I will be traveling with. I am very nervous and excited, this is my first time traveling outside of the western hemisphere. I keep telling myself that the infrastructure cannot be that different from Nicaragua or Ecuador, but I guess time will tell.

Final Thoughts

A student shares his thoughts on being a Senior and his plans for the future.

Typical School Day

A regular day of instruction is built around a framework that consists of whole group instruction using the gradual release model followed by small group instruction with a teacher led group. Below are clips of some of what we have done this year.

Students presenting to the class.

Decorating the hallway for Black History Month

Creating the Undergroung Railroad

 

Singing grams on Valentine's Day

 

 

Literacy Night

 

 

 

 

Homecoming Game

Homecoming is an American highschool tradition. Homecoming is centered around a football game however it is a week long celebration in school. Here are my students explaining what it is all about.

 

October 27, 2012 Game Day!!